Synopsis

In 1891, Czech composer Antonín Dvořák was earning about $3000 a year teaching at the National Conservatory of Prague. Jeannette Thurber, the wealthy founder of the National Conservatory of New York offered Dvořák five times his Prague salary to come to America, where his teaching load would be significantly less.

Even so, Dvořák was reluctant to leave his native land, but his wife suggested the family should vote on Thurber’s offer. Dvořák’s son, Otakar recalled the vote “for” America wasn’t unanimous but did prevail, so papa signed the contract — then let it sit on his desk until Mom took matters in her own hand — literally — and posted it back to America. Dvořák followed in due course.

On today’s date in 1893, Dvořák wrapped up his first academic year in America by signing a receipt for his May salary before setting off with the family for a summer vacation in the Czech-speaking settlement of Spillville, Iowa. 

No doubt he would be astonished to learn that in our time a dealer in celebrity signatures put that receipt up for sale. The salary stub was for $937.50. The asking price for the yellowed slip of paper bearing Dvořák’s signature? $2750!

Music Played in Today's Program

Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904): String Quintet No. 3; Vlach Quartet; Naxos 8.553376